Following the media-saturating news that U.S. forces had killed Osama Bin Laden yesterday, many New York FM radio shows this morning (May 2) reacted by airing pro-American songs and sentiments.

Both adult pop WPLJ (95.5) and adult contemporary WWFS (Fresh 102.7) spun Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A.," according to Nielsen BDS. The song, originally a No. 7 hit on Country Songs in 1984, reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of Sept. 29, 2001, following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. that Bin Laden had claimed to have had masterminded.

WPLJ, which played "God Bless" three times this morning, in the 6, 7 and 9 a.m. hours, also spun Ray Charles' "America the Beautiful."

WWFS additionally aired both Whitney Houston and Cher's versions of the "The Star Spangled Banner" at the top of the 6 and 7 a.m. hours. Top 40 WHTZ (Z100) played Jennifer Hudson's version of the national anthem at 8 a.m.

Along with two plays for "God Bless," classic hits WCBS (101.1) gave an 8:55 a.m. play to Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A."

As AC WLTW (106.7 Lite FM) morning co-host Bob Bronson introduced Daniel Powter's "Bad Day," he alluded to the death of Bin Laden. "We're playing 'Bad Day'," said Bronson, "but today is a good day."

WPLJ's morning team of Scott Shannon and Todd Pettengill somberly and respectfully noted the feelings of relief, if not elation, that families of those lost on Sept. 11 are likely feeling today.

Still, the pair summed up their feelings for the slain Al Qaeda leader simply by repeating a soundbite that epitomizes their oft-sarcastic charm: "See ya later, alligator."

Adult alternative WFUV (90.7)'s Don McGee (filling in for regular host Claudia Marshall) solicited listener suggestions for songs honoring "those in the military, firemen and policeman and the monumental sacrifice of those who serve us."

McGee closed the 9 a.m. hour by playing Springsteen's "Further On (Up the Road)," reciting the song's poignant lyrics: "Where the road is dark and the seed is sowed / Where the gun is cocked and the bullet's cold / Where the miles are marked in the blood and gold / I'll meet you further on up the road."